House of the Dragon’s Olivia Cooke takes aim at US abortion laws

A star of Game of Thrones’ prequel House of the Dragon has shared her thoughts on themes explored in the show, drawing a shock comparison between the fantasy world and our own.

House Of The Dragon’s world of Westeros is fantasy, but some themes explored in the new TV epic are depressingly reflective of modern Western reality, says one of its main stars.

British actor Olivia Cooke has taken a swing at America’s abortion controversy, arguing the naked misogyny displayed in the Game of Thrones prequel mirrors behaviour and attitudes still alive in parts of the US today.

“It’s so reflective of that world,” Cooke told NewsCorp Australia.

“And this is set in a fantasy world that is loosely based on a more medieval time and yet we are still dealing with the same themes. It is incredibly disheartening. Women in Westeros, they’re expected to breed as early in age as possible and in Texas, that’s the same.”

Texas is one of 14 American states where abortion is now banned or heavily restricted, with the procedure under threat in at least six others, following the recent overturning of Roe v Wade legislation recognising abortion rights.

English actress Olivia Cooke attends the World premiere of House of the Dragon. Picture: Chris Delmas

Cooke as Alicent Hightower in House of the Dragon. Picture: HBO

The southern state’s abortion ban is outright, with no exceptions for rape or incest.

Cooke said she loved her experience filming House Of The Dragon, in which she plays Lady Alicent Hightower, and the relationships she formed with her co-stars.

Stars Eve Best, Emma D’Arcy, Olivia Cooke, Milly Alcock and Emily Carey at the HOTD premiere. Picture: Jeff Kravitz

And she hopes the plot, set in a society where men traditionally rule and women are subservient and bear children, may push viewers to reflect on our own social norms.

“Hopefully, but who knows?” she mused. “I didn’t realise how topical it would be, especially now at the point of release.”

The story revolves around power struggles in Westeros, particularly between King Viserys Targaryen (Paddy Considine) and his aide Lord Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans) and their daughters Lady Alicent (Cooke) and Princess Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy).

Australian actor Milly Alcock and Brit Emily Carey play the younger Princess Rhaenyra and Lady Alicent in the series, two best friends in childhood who become rivals for the throne.

House Of The Dragon will be available to stream on BINGE and watch on Foxtel from August 22. The original Game Of Thrones series is now available on both platforms.

EXCLUSIVE: Don’t miss the interview with Milly Alcock tomorrow, only in Stellar with your Sunday Telegraph

Originally published as House of the Dragon’s Olivia Cooke takes aim at US abortion laws